Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Veiled in mystery and often misunderstood, the symbols of Freemasonry have captivated the imagination of the public for centuries. From intricate designs on historic buildings to emblems worn by its members, these symbols are far more than just secret signs or decorative elements. They form a complex and beautiful language of allegory, designed to teach profound moral, ethical, and philosophical lessons.
This system of symbolism is the cornerstone of the Masonic experience. It uses the tools and language of ancient stonemasons to build not cathedrals of stone, but temples of character within each individual. Understanding this visual vocabulary is the key to unlocking the rich tapestry of wisdom that the Craft offers to its initiates.
For those curious about this ancient fraternity, exploring the world of Masonic symbols is the first step toward appreciating its enduring legacy. It is a journey into a system of self-improvement that has guided men for generations, using timeless emblems to communicate truths that transcend words.
What Are Masonic Symbols and Why Are They Important?
At their core, Masonic symbols are teaching tools. Freemasonry, or Masonry, is often described as a ‘peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This means that its most important lessons are not stated plainly but are instead embedded within stories, rituals, and the symbolic meanings of specific objects.
This method has its roots in the operative stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages. These craftsmen used physical tools like the square, level, and plumb rule to construct magnificent buildings. Speculative Freemasonry, the modern form of the fraternity, adopted these tools not for physical construction but for a speculative purpose: to build a better man.
Each symbol serves as a constant reminder of a particular virtue or principle. A Mason is taught to apply the lessons of these tools to his own life, his thoughts, and his actions. The importance of these symbols lies in their ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, memorable form, encouraging contemplation and personal reflection.
This symbolic language is universal within the Craft, allowing Masons from different countries and cultures to connect through a shared understanding. It elevates the fraternity from a simple social club to a philosophical institution dedicated to personal growth and enlightenment.
What is the Most Recognizable Masonic Symbol?
Without a doubt, the most universally recognized emblem of Freemasonry is the Square and Compasses, often depicted with the letter ‘G’ at its center. This single image encapsulates the core tenets of the fraternity and is a powerful representation of a Mason’s relationship with the world and with himself.
This emblem is not a single symbol but a combination of three distinct elements, each with its own layer of meaning. Together, they form a guide for a well-lived life, grounded in morality, self-discipline, and faith. For many, this is the Freemason symbol that first comes to mind.
The Square?
The square is an essential tool for a stonemason, used to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘true’. In speculative Masonry, it becomes a symbol of morality, truth, and honesty. A Mason is taught to ‘square his actions’ with the ‘square of virtue’, meaning he should conduct himself with fairness and integrity in all his dealings with mankind.
It represents the earthly and the material. It serves as a constant reminder to act in a way that is upright and just, both in public and in private. The square teaches a Mason to be a good and reliable member of his community, building his life upon a solid and honest foundation.
The Compasses?
While the square relates to a Mason’s conduct with others, the compasses relate to his conduct with himself. This tool is used to draw circles, and in Masonry, it symbolizes the importance of circumscribing one’s desires and keeping one’s passions within due bounds. It is a tool for self-restraint and moderation.
The two points of the compasses remind a Mason to control his impulses and to maintain balance in his life. It teaches that true freedom comes not from unchecked indulgence but from self-mastery. The compasses represent the spiritual, intellectual, and higher aspects of human nature.
The Letter ‘G’?
The letter ‘G’ suspended in the center of the Square and Compasses holds multiple layers of meaning. The most common interpretation is that it stands for God, or more precisely, the Great Architect of the Universe. This term is used to allow men of different faiths to come together under a shared belief in a Supreme Being, whatever form that may take for them personally.
Additionally, the ‘G’ stands for Geometry, which Masons consider the noblest of sciences and the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is founded. It represents the order, logic, and reason of the universe, and the pursuit of knowledge. The letter ‘G’ thus signifies that a Mason’s work should be guided by both faith and reason.
What Other Common Symbols Are Found in the Blue Lodge?
Beyond the Square and Compasses, the Masonic lodge is filled with a rich array of symbols, each contributing to the overall tapestry of moral instruction. These are primarily introduced through the first three degrees, known as the Blue Lodge degrees. Exploring these emblems reveals the depth and consistency of Masonic philosophy.
The All-Seeing Eye?
Often a source of wild speculation, the All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is a straightforward symbol within the Masonic context. It represents the omnipresence and divine watchfulness of the Great Architect of the Universe. It is a reminder that a Mason’s thoughts, words, and actions are always observed by a higher power.
This is not a symbol of sinister surveillance, but one of comfort and accountability. It encourages a Mason to live a life of integrity, knowing that he is never truly alone and that he will ultimately be held accountable for his choices. The study of Masonic symbols and their meanings often begins with this powerful and misunderstood emblem.
The Beehive?
The beehive is a classic Masonic symbol of industry and cooperation. Just as each bee in a hive works diligently for the benefit of the entire community, so too should Masons work together for the good of the Craft and society as a whole. It teaches the virtues of hard work, organization, and productivity.
The beehive reminds a Mason that man was not made to be idle and that he should always be engaged in some useful pursuit. It serves as a lesson against laziness and highlights the importance of contributing to the welfare of one’s family and community. For those exploring symbols like the beehive, its message of collaborative effort is clear and timeless.
The Level and the Plumb?
These two working tools are almost always presented together and represent fundamental Masonic principles. The level is a tool used to ascertain a horizontal plane, and symbolically, it represents equality. It reminds Masons that all men meet on the level, regardless of their wealth, status, or station in life. Within the lodge, all brothers are equal.
The plumb, a weight suspended from a line, is used to determine a vertical line. Symbolically, it represents uprightness of character and integrity. It teaches a Mason to live an upright life, acting with rectitude and moral straightness. Understanding the deeper masonry symbol meaning of these tools is key to grasping the ethical framework of the Craft.
The Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
An ashlar is a block of stone. In Masonry, two ashlars are used symbolically: the Rough Ashlar and the Perfect Ashlar. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry, in its natural, unrefined state. It represents man in his ignorant and uncultivated condition.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been smoothed and shaped by the tools of the stonemason, ready to be used in the construction of a building. It represents a man who, through education, Masonic instruction, and self-discipline, has improved his character and become a more virtuous and enlightened individual. This transformation from the rough to the perfect state symbolizes the journey of self-improvement that is at the heart of Freemasonry.
The Trowel?
While many Masonic symbols are tools of measurement and shaping, the trowel is a tool of building and uniting. It is used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single, solid structure. For a speculative Mason, the trowel is an emblem of brotherly love and affection.
It is the symbolic tool used to spread the ‘cement’ of fellowship and kindness that unites the members of the fraternity into a strong, cohesive family. A Mason is taught to use the trowel to build bonds of friendship and to resolve conflicts, creating harmony and concord within the lodge and in the wider world.
The Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
These two pillars are prominent features in any Masonic lodge, representing the two great pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple. The pillar on the left was named Boaz, meaning ‘in strength’, and the one on the right was Jachin, meaning ‘He will establish’.
Together, they symbolize strength and stability. They mark the symbolic entrance to the mysteries of Freemasonry, and a candidate must pass between them to be initiated. They serve as a reminder that the institution of Masonry is built upon a solid and enduring foundation, and that by entering, one finds support. The history behind the pillars of the temple is rich with architectural and spiritual significance.
The Sun and Moon?
Depictions of the sun and moon are common in Masonic art and lodge rooms. They represent the great lights that govern the day and the night, symbolizing the regularity and order of the universe created by the Great Architect. Their presence signifies that Masonic work is constant and unceasing, taking place day and night.
They also represent a level of enlightenment. The moon, which only reflects light, can be seen as representing the initial, lesser light of the Entered Apprentice degree, while the sun, the source of all light, represents the greater knowledge to which a Mason aspires. They remind a Mason to be as regular and reliable in his duties as these celestial bodies are in their courses.
The Anchor and Ark?
These two symbols, often found together, are emblems of hope and security. The anchor is a classic symbol of a well-grounded hope and a steadfast faith. In the midst of life’s storms and uncertainties, the anchor represents that which keeps a person stable and secure. For a Mason, it symbolizes the hope of a peaceful and rewarding afterlife.
The ark is a symbol of safety and refuge, stemming from the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. It represents the covenant and the belief that adherence to divine principles provides a safe passage through the turbulent seas of life. Together, the Anchor and Ark symbolize a Mason’s faith in a divine plan and the promise of salvation and tranquility.
How Do These Symbols Connect to the Masonic Journey?
Freemasonry is a progressive journey, and the introduction and understanding of its symbols are likewise progressive. A new member, known as an Entered Apprentice, is introduced to a specific set of symbols and their basic meanings. As he advances to the degree of Fellowcraft and then to Master Mason, new symbols are presented, and the meanings of previous ones are expanded upon.
This gradual unfolding of knowledge is intentional. It allows a Mason to absorb the lessons at his own pace and to build a solid foundation of understanding before moving on to more complex philosophical concepts. The journey through the degrees is a journey of increasing light, where the symbolism becomes richer and more profound with each step.
Ultimately, the connection is deeply personal. While the fraternity provides the framework for interpretation, each Mason is encouraged to contemplate the symbols and apply their lessons to his own life and character. The symbols are not dogma but catalysts for introspection and personal growth.
Can Anyone Understand These Symbols?
On a surface level, yes. The basic moral lessons of the working tools are quite accessible to anyone who takes the time to learn them. The virtues of honesty, equality, integrity, and industry are universal principles that are not exclusive to Freemasonry. Many of these symbols have roots in ancient geometry, philosophy, and religion, making their foundational meanings familiar.
However, the deeper, esoteric meanings and the way these symbols interrelate within the Masonic system are fully revealed only through the experience of the Masonic degrees. The rituals provide a context and an emotional weight to the symbols that cannot be replicated by simply reading about them. The lessons are designed to be experienced, not just learned.
For those who feel a pull toward this path of self-discovery, the journey begins with a sincere desire to improve oneself. The symbols are the guideposts on that journey, and their true power is unlocked through participation. For those interested in the path to join Freemasonry, the first step is to seek out that which the symbols represent: more light.
Masonic symbols are a timeless and elegant language of character. They are the working tools of a speculative science that seeks to build better men, and through them, a better world. They are not secrets to be hoarded, but lessons to be lived, transforming abstract virtues into tangible guides for a meaningful and honorable life.
For the modern seeker and the dedicated Brother, Esoteric Freemasons is the definitive online resource that illuminates the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft. We go beyond the surface to reveal the true light of Masonic knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Masonic symbols used in modern lodges and rituals?
Masonic symbols are far more than historical or decorative elements; they are active teaching instruments central to modern Freemasonry. During degree rituals, specific symbols are presented to a candidate to illustrate moral lessons and philosophical concepts in an allegorical format. These visual aids help convey complex ideas about ethics, self-improvement, and one’s relationship with the divine, making the lessons more impactful and memorable.
Beyond formal ceremonies, these symbols serve as constant reminders for a Mason of his obligations and the virtues he has sworn to uphold. They are integrated into the very fabric of the fraternity, appearing on regalia like aprons, in the architectural design of the lodge room, and on personal items like rings. In this way, the symbolism extends from the lodge into a member’s daily life, encouraging continuous reflection and personal growth.
Is there a single, universally accepted meaning for every Masonic symbol?
While most Masonic symbols have a foundational, generally accepted meaning that is taught within the fraternity, there is no single, rigid definition for every emblem. Freemasonry encourages its members to engage in personal contemplation and study, allowing for individual interpretation within a shared framework. This approach means that a symbol’s meaning can deepen and evolve for a Mason as he progresses through the degrees and his own life experiences. The goal is not rote memorization but a personal journey of discovery through the symbolic language.
This concept of layered meaning is a cornerstone of Masonic education. For example, the Letter ‘G’ is commonly understood to represent both God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, and Geometry, the mathematical science highly revered by the craft. This duality allows the symbol to resonate on both a spiritual and an intellectual level, reinforcing the idea that members should build their moral and spiritual lives with the same precision and care used in architecture.
Are non-Masons allowed to use or wear Masonic symbols?
Legally, most common Masonic symbols, like the Square and Compasses, are in the public domain and are not trademarked, meaning anyone can technically reproduce or display them. However, from an ethical and social perspective, it is widely considered inappropriate for a non-Mason to wear these symbols in a way that implies membership. Doing so can be seen as a misrepresentation and a sign of disrespect for the fraternity and the commitments its members have made.
For a Freemason, wearing a symbol is a public declaration of his identity and his adherence to the principles of the craft. It signifies a shared bond and a personal journey of moral and intellectual development that he has undertaken. When a non-member displays these emblems, it dilutes their significance and can create confusion, undermining the symbol’s role as an authentic mark of a member’s affiliation and values.
